Shopping cart

ABSTRACT

A shopping cart includes a frame, a plurality of wheels for supporting the frame for movement over a floor, an arm connected to the frame, and a projection positioned proximate at least one of the wheels. The frame has a front end and a rear end. The arm is configured to engage the tow member for moving the frame. The projection engages the guide member to prevent one of the front end and the rear end from rotating over the other of the front end and the rear end. A handle assembly may include an elongated slot positioned proximate a handle. The shopping cart may also include a tray is releasably secured to the frame by inserting a tab into a slot. The shopping cart may also include a tab received within a slot to secure a basket against movement relative to the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/214,434, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/609,070, filed Sep. 10, 2012, and which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/792,120, filedMar. 15, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/811,393,filed Apr. 12, 2013. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/609,070 also claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/532,716, filedSep. 9, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/660,984,filed Jun. 18, 2012. The entire contents of each of these documents areincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to shopping carts.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of making a shoppingcart. The method includes forming a frame capable of supporting aplurality of basket assembly types, selecting from the plurality ofbasket assembly types a first basket assembly defining a first basketassembly type; and connecting the first basket assembly to the frame.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cart includinga frame supported for movement over the ground, a first handle, and afirst basket assembly connected to the frame. The frame includes anupright portion and is capable of supporting a plurality of basketassembly types. The first handle is connected to the upright portion.The first basket assembly defines a first basket assembly type.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cartincluding a frame supported for movement over the ground, a firsthandle, and a first basket assembly. The frame includes an uprightportion, and the first handle is connected to the upright portion. Thefirst basket assembly includes a basket frame for supporting a pluralityof basket wall types, and one of the plurality of basket wall typesattached to the basket frame.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a flat cartincluding a frame supported for movement over the ground and a deck thatis pivotably connected to the frame. The frame includes a base defininga longitudinal axis and an upright portion including a handle. The deckis pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axisbetween a lowered position and an upright position.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping carthaving a front end and a rear end. The cart includes a first basketsupported for movement over a floor or the ground and configured to beloaded from the rear, and a handle for pushing the cart.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping carthaving a front end and a rear end and defining a cart axis therebetween.The cart includes a first basket supported for movement over a floor orthe ground and a handle for pushing the cart, the handle beingpivotable.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cart havinga front end and a rear end and defining a cart axis therebetween. Thecart includes a handle for pushing the cart, a first basket including amoveable first gate, and a second basket including a moveable secondgate.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cart adapted toengage a cart transport system including a tow member, tracks, and aguide member, the cart includes a frame, a plurality of wheels forsupporting the frame for movement over a floor, an arm connected to theframe, and a projection positioned proximate at least one of the wheels.The frame has a front end and a rear end. The arm is configured toengage the tow member for moving the frame. The projection engages theguide member to prevent one of the front end and the rear end fromrotating over the other of the front end and the rear end.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a handle assemblyfor a shopping cart having a front end and a rear end. The handleassembly includes a handle positioned proximate the rear end of the cartand an elongated slot positioned proximate the handle and adapted forsupporting an accessory.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cartincluding a basket, a plurality of openings, and a groove. The basketincludes a bottom and side walls, and the side walls define an edge andinclude a rail extending around at least a portion of the edge. Theplurality of openings extend through the side walls and define apattern. The groove is formed within the rail and positioned below theedge and above the plurality of openings.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cartincluding a rear wall, a seat pivotably coupled to the rear wall about afirst axis, and a folding wall pivotably coupled to the rear wall abouta second axis. The folding wall includes a backrest.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cartincluding a frame and a tray supported by the frame. The tray isreleasably secured to the frame by angling the tray at an acute anglerelative to the frame, moving the tray to engage the frame, and pivotingthe tray relative to the frame.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cartincluding a frame, a basket slidably coupled to the frame, a slotpositioned on one of the frame and the basket, and a tab coupled to theother of the frame and the basket. The tab is received within the slotto secure the basket against movement relative to the frame.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a shopping cartincluding a first handle, and a second handle laterally spaced apartfrom the first handle.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shopping cart.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shopping cart of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a frame.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a cross-section of the frame of FIG. 4taken along line 5A-5A.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a cross-section of the frame of FIG. 4according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a cross-section of the frame of FIG. 4according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shopping cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 7A is a cross-section view of the shopping cart of FIG. 6 takenalong line 7A-7A.

FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the shopping cart of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the shopping cart of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a shopping cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shopping cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the shopping cart of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a shopping cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shopping cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a shopping cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mold.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a frame portion and a first moldinsert.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a frame portion and second mold insert.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a caster lifting mechanism.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the caster lifting mechanism of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a partial side view of a shopping cart.

FIG. 21 is a partial side view of a pair of shopping carts nestedtogether.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a shopping cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a shopping cart basket including abillboard panel.

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a shopping cart basket including abillboard panel according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23C is a perspective view of a shopping cart basket including abillboard panel according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23D is a perspective view of a shopping cart basket including abillboard panel according to another embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a flat-bed cart.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a flat-bed cart according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a flat-bed cart according to anotherembodiment in a lowered state.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the flat-bed cart of FIG. 26 in anupright state.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of a shopping cart according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the shopping cart of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of a frame and a tray.

FIG. 31 is a section view of a portion of the frame and the tray of FIG.30.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the frame and the tray of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the shopping cart of FIG. 28.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the frame, anupper basket, and a lower basket.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the frame and theupper basket of FIG. 34 and a handle assembly

FIG. 36 is a side view of the frame and a cover.

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the frame andcover of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a handle and an accessory slot.

FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view of a shopping cart including a handleaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of a shopping cart according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of the shopping cart of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a side view of the shopping cart of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 is a front plan view of a cart transport mechanism.

FIG. 44 is a front plan view of an ascending cart transport mechanism ofFIG. 43 transporting the shopping cart of FIG. 40.

FIG. 45 is a front plan view of a descending cart transport mechanism ofFIG. 43 transporting the shopping cart of FIG. 40.

FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of a shopping cart according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view of the shopping cart of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of the shopping cart of FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a frame and abasket.

FIG. 50 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the frame and thebasket of FIG. 49 and a handle assembly.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a gate assembly in an open state.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the gate assembly of FIG. 51 in acollapsed state.

FIG. 53 is a side view of the gate assembly of FIG. 51 illustrating themotion of the gate assembly between the open state and the collapsedstate.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 discloses a shopping cart 10. The shopping cart 10 includes aframe 14, a basket assembly 18, a handle 22, a rear gate 26, a lowertray 30, and multiple wheels 34 supporting the frame 14 for movementover the ground. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the frame 14forms a U-shaped member including a base 38, uprights or arms 42extending upwardly from the base 38, and a cover 46 connected to eacharm 42. As best shown in FIG. 4, each arm 42 includes an upper end 50positioned away from the base 38. The arms 42 taper inwardly from theupper ends 50, such that the distance between the arms 42 proximate thebase 38 is less than the distance between the upper ends 50 of the arms42. The cart 10 defines a front end 52, a rear end 54 opposite the frontend 52, and a horizontal cart axis 56 extending between the front end 52and the rear end 54. As used herein, the term “rearward” refers to adirection that extends toward the rear end 54, and the term “forward”refers to a direction that extends toward a front end 52.

The frame 14 is formed by a combination of over-molding and gas-assistplastic forming processes. As shown in FIG. 5A, a substrate 58 such as apiece of metal is over-molded by plastic material 60. Although thesubstrate 58 in FIG. 5A has a cross-section that is U-shaped, thesubstrate 58 can be formed into various other shapes, including a roundtube (FIG. 5B) or an enclosed piece that is partially hexagonal andpartially rectangular (FIG. 5C). In the illustrated embodiments, theplastic material 60 near the substrate 58 is molded as a latticestructure having ribs 62 for increased rigidity. In one embodiment, thesubstrate 58 is made from steel, although in other embodiments thesubstrate could be made from another material. The plastic material 60may include any type of injection-molded plastic. The gas-assist processcreates at least one hollow cavity (not shown) in the plastic material60. This combination process yields a frame 14 that is both strong andlow weight. The substrate 58 and the geometric relationship between thesubstrate 58 and the plastic 60 increases rigidity over a simpleinjection-molded plastic. The combination process satisfies the load anddurability standards, is less expensive than conventional glass-fillednylon processes, and provides a frame 14 having a lower density than theglass-filled nylon frames. In one embodiment, a frame 14 made using thecombination process costs about $0.60 per pound and has a lower density,whereas a frame made from glass-filled nylon costs about $2 per poundand has a higher density.

Referring to FIG. 2, the basket assembly 18 is removably coupled to theframe 14 and includes a basket frame 74 and a pair of slots 78 on eitherside of the basket frame 74. The slots 78 receive the upper ends 50 ofthe arms 42. The walls and bottom surface of the basket assembly 18 havebeen removed for purposes of clarity; the basket assembly 18 alsoincludes basket walls similar to those shown in FIGS. 12-13 and FIG. 22.The basket assembly 18 is moved onto the arms 42 and slides down alongthe arms 42 until the basket assembly 18 reaches a predeterminedposition. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined position isthe point at which the slots 78 engage the arms 42 in an interferencefit due to the inward taper of the arms 42. In other embodiments, thepredetermined position may be defined by a detent that locks the basketassembly 18 in place relative to the arms 42, or the basket assembly 18may be secured relative to the arms 42 by fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 22 includes a generally U-shapedmember having two ends 86 that are adapted to engage the upper ends 50of the arms 42. After the basket assembly 18 is secured relative to theframe 14, the handle 22 is coupled to the upper ends 50 of the arms 42,further locking the basket assembly 18 in position. The handle 22 alsoincludes a pair of openings 90 (FIG. 2), each of which is positionedproximate one of the handle ends 86. In the illustrated embodiment, thehandle ends 86 are secured to the arms 42 by a snap fit or interferencefit.

The rear gate 26 includes a wall 94 and a pair of gate arms 98 and ispositioned proximate the rearward end of the cart 10. The gate arms 98are positioned on opposite edges of the wall 94 and extends away fromthe wall 94. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each gate arm 98is positioned within one of the openings 90 on the handle 22. The reargate 26 is thus pivotably coupled to the handle 22 and pivots about agate axis 100 transverse to the cart axis 56. When a second cart (notshown) is pushed into the rear of the shopping cart 10, the rear gate 26pivots upwardly, toward the front of the basket assembly 18 in order toenable the basket assembly of the second cart to nest within the basketassembly 18. In other embodiments, the gate arms 98 may engage openingspositioned on the basket assembly 18. The rear gate 26 engages a stop102 (FIG. 7A) positioned on the basket assembly 18 to prevent the reargate 26 from pivoting beyond the rearward end of the basket frame 74,i.e., to limit pivoting of the rear gate 26 in a clockwise direction asshown in FIG. 7A.

The frame 14 is capable of supporting multiple types of basketassemblies 18. For example, in an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS.6-8, a second basket assembly 218 includes multiple basket frames 274having different sizes and characteristics from the first basketassembly 18. The basket assembly of FIGS. 6-8 includes a first or lowerbasket 274 a and a second or upper basket 274 b. In addition, the handle222 is pivotably coupled to blocks 224 that are coupled to the arms 242.In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 222 is formed as a U-shapedmember that is pivotably coupled to the cart 10 at each end 286. Thehandle 222 is pivotable about a handle axis 228 (FIG. 7B) transverse tothe cart axis 256. In other embodiments, the handle 222 may be coupledto the basket assembly 218 or the handle axis 228 may be oriented in adifferent direction.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the upper basket 274 b is substantially above thelower basket 274 a. The lower basket 274 a includes a first or lowergate 226 a proximate the rear end 254 of the cart 210. The lower gate226 a is pivotable about a lower gate axis 300 a transverse to the cartaxis 256 between a raised position and a lowered position. The lowergate 226 a is similar to the rear gate 26 described above with respectto FIGS. 1 and 2. The lower gate 226 a includes a wall 294 a and a pairof arms 298 a for coupling the lower gate 226 a to the lower basket 274a. The wall 294 a extends across the rearward end of the lower basket274 a when the lower gate 226 a is in the lowered position. As shown inFIG. 7A, the wall 294 a has an upper end 296 below an upper end 276 ofthe lower basket 274 a when the lower gate 226 a is in the loweredposition.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the upper basket 274 b includes a second or uppergate 226 b proximate the rear end 254 of the cart 210. The upper gate226 b is pivotable about an upper gate axis 300 b transverse to the cartaxis 256 between a raised position and a lowered position. The uppergate 226 b includes a wall 294 b (FIG. 7B) and a pair of arms 298 b forcoupling the upper gate 226 b to the upper basket 274 b. The wall 294 bextends across a rearward end of the upper basket 274 b when the uppergate 226 b is in a lowered position. Both the lower gate 226 a and theupper gate 226 b pivot upwardly toward the front of each basket 274 a,274 b to allow the lower basket 274 a and the upper basket 274 b toreceive a lower basket and upper basket, respectively, of another cart(not shown). The stops 102 (FIG. 7A) prevent the gates 226 a, 226 b frompivoting backward beyond the rearward end of each basket 274 a, 274 b.

The lower basket 274 a is configured to be loaded from the rear. As bestillustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the lower basket 274 a is positionedpartially behind the upper basket 274 b, enabling a user to load andunload the lower basket 274 a from behind the cart 210 and beneath thehandle 222. Stated another way, a rearward end of the upper basket 274 bis positioned forward of a rearward end of the lower basket 274 a toprovide easy access to the contents of the lower basket 274 a from therear of the cart 210. In addition, because the upper end 296 of the wall294 a is below the upper end 276 of the lower basket 274 a when thelower gate 226 a is in the lowered position, it is easier for a user toload and unload the lower basket 274 a.

The handle 222 is moveable about the handle axis 228 between at least afirst or rear position (FIG. 6) and a second or forward position (FIG.7A). As shown in FIG. 6, in the rear position the handle 222 extendstoward the rear end 254 of the cart 210. This configuration allows theuser to push the cart 210 with the handle 222. Referring to FIG. 7B, inthe forward position the handle 222 extends toward the front end 252 ofthe cart 210. In the forward position, the handle 222 is substantiallyaligned with the upper gate 226 b (see FIG. 7B) and forward of therearward end of the lower basket 274 a. This position of the handle 222improves access to the lower basket 274 a, allowing the user to moreeasily load or unload the lower basket 274 a from the rear. The frame 14is configured to support many types of basket assemblies 18, so themanufacturer can select a basket assembly 18 from multiple types ofbasket assemblies 18 in order to customize the cart 10 as necessary.This reduces the need to manufacture many types of carts 10individually, instead providing a modular approach for manufacturing thecarts 10 from similar parts.

In other embodiments, shown in FIG. 9, multiple basket assemblies 418may be positioned on the arms 442, including one or more rear-facingbaskets 474 c. In this embodiment, the handle 422 includes ends 486 thatare coupled to the arms 442 by fasteners such as bolts. Alternatively,as shown in FIGS. 10-11, the arms 642 can be removably received on theframe 614, and the basket assemblies 618 include brackets 620 forcoupling each basket assembly 618 to the arms 642. The bracket 620 canbe secured to the arms 642 by a snap fit or by fasteners. Thealternative embodiments of FIGS. 12-14 also illustrate that the basketassembly 818 can be directly fastened to the frame 814, and the handle822 may be formed integrally with the basket assembly 818 or the frame814. In addition, FIG. 13 shows a cart 810 in which the lower tray 830includes an open-ended basket.

As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the frame 14 is formed in a mold 106. The moldincludes a removable first module or insert 110. In the illustratedembodiment, the first insert 110 forms a portion of the frame base 38.The first insert 110 may be removed from the mold 106 and replaced witha second insert 114 that forms the same portion of the base 38, but theportion of the base 38 has a shorter dimension than the portion that isformed by the first insert 110. In other embodiments, the second insert114 could provide a different shape for the portion of the base 38. Instill other embodiments, the inserts 110, 114 could form a differentportion of the frame 14 or another component of the cart 10. Theremovable inserts 110, 114 enable the operator to readily customize thesize and shape of the manufactured frame 14 by changing theconfiguration of the mold 106. Because the mold 106 is capable ofproducing various frame configurations, the forming process requiresonly a single large mold 106 with several smaller inserts like the firstinsert 110 and second insert 114, rather than multiple large molds foreach desired configuration. In this way, tooling costs are reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 18-21, the frame 14 also includes a caster liftmechanism 122 to raise the wheels 34 when the cart 10 is nested orstacked with another cart. The caster lift mechanism 122 includes aridge 126 formed on an upper surface 130 of the base 38, a housing 134formed on an inside surface 138 of at least one of the arms 42, and aninsert 142 (FIG. 19) positioned within the housing 134 and behind thecover 46. In one embodiment, the insert 142 is made of a wear-resistantplastic material. In the illustrated embodiment the housing 134 extendsinwardly or toward the center of the base 38 and forms a cylindricalrecess 146. The recess 146 is open at the inner end of the housing 134and the housing 134 has a longitudinal slot 150 communicating with thebottom of the recess 146. The insert 142 is cylindrical and is insertedinto the inner end of the recess 146 such that the lower portion of theinsert 142 extends through the slot 150. Referring to FIG. 21, when asecond cart is nested into the rear of a first cart 10, the insert 142from the first cart 10 engages the ridge 126 and causes the rear of thefirst cart 10 to lift away from the ground. Lifting the rear end of thecart 10 insures that the rear wheels 34 do not contact the ground,thereby reducing the friction between the nested carts 10 and theground. This reduced contact makes it easier for the nested carts 10 tobe pushed and maneuvered together. Over time, the repeated engagementbetween the ridge 126 and the insert 142 will cause the insert 142 towear down. The insert 142 provides a replaceable wear surface such thatonce the insert 142 wears down to a predetermined point, the user canreplace the insert 142 to extend the working life of the caster liftmechanism 122.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 22, the cart 1210 includes abasket frame 1274, a bottom surface 1276, and multiple walls 1280. Thebasket frame 1274 is configured to support multiple types of basketwalls 1280 that can be removably coupled to the basket frame 1274. Inone embodiment, the basket frame 1274 is molded separately from thewalls 1280, and the walls 1280 are coupled to the basket frame 1274 by asnap fit. In other embodiments the walls 1280 are coupled by fasteners.The basket frame 1274 is configured to support many types of basketwalls 1280, so the manufacturer can select a basket wall 1280 from manybasket wall types in order to customize the cart as necessary. Forinstance, various walls 1280 may define different mesh patterns or wallcross-sections. This reduces the need to manufacture many types ofbaskets individually. Instead, the manufacturer can create the samebasic frame 1274 and then select a particular wall 1280, therebyimplementing a modular approach to manufacturing the basket frames 1274from similar parts.

The wall 1280 of the basket frame 1274 may also include one or morebillboard panels 1284 for displaying graphics or other information. Thepanels 1284 can be molded with an in-mold graphic foil 1288 (FIG. 23)and changed as desired (for example, seasonally). FIGS. 23A-23D providevarious examples of billboard panels 1284. As shown in FIG. 23A, thegraphic foil 1288 may be slidably received through the basket frame 1274and positioned within the billboard panel 1284. Alternatively, FIGS. 23Band 23C show that the panel 1284 may include a transparent window 1292that is pivotable relative to the basket frame 1274 to allow the graphicfoil 1288 to be positioned behind the window 1292. The panel 1284 mayalso be removably fitted within the basket frame 1274, as shown in FIG.23D.

FIG. 24 shows a nesting flat-bed cart 1610. The flat-bed cart 1610includes a frame 1614, a pivoting load bed or deck 1616, at least onespring-loaded slow-close hinge 1620, and a latch mechanism 1624. In oneembodiment, the deck 1616 is made from a non-slip plastic material. Theframe 1614 includes a base 1628 having a handle 1622, multiple wheels orcasters 1634 coupled to the base for supporting movement of the frameover the ground, and a cross piece 1636. In the illustrated embodiment,the rear wheels 1634 can swivel, while the front wheels 1634 are fixed.The frame 1614 defines a longitudinal axis 1640. The deck 1616 includesa hand grip 1644 and a ribbed underside 1648 (FIG. 27) to provideincreased rigidity.

The deck 1616 is pivotably attached to the base 1638 by thespring-loaded slow-close hinge 1620. The deck is pivotable about a pivotaxis 1652 transverse to the longitudinal axis 1640. The slow-close hinge1620 is similar to those used for toilet seats. The spring action of thehinge 1620 biases the deck 1616 toward an upright position as shown inFIG. 24. The latch mechanism 1624 is located on the cross piece 1636extending between the front wheels 1634. When the deck 1616 is moved toa lowered or use position, the latch mechanism 1624 locks the deck 1616.In one embodiment, the latch mechanism 1624 includes a rotating hook(not shown). The hook may be spring-biased to automatically engage andlock the deck 1616 in place when the deck 1616 is moved to the loweredposition. When the latch mechanism 1624 is unlocked, the slow-closehinge 1620 moves the deck 1616 to the upright position. The hand grip1644 enables the user to assist in lifting the deck 1616 to the uprightposition. In other embodiments, a heavy spring or gas strut may be usedin addition to or in place of the slow-close hinge 1620.

With the decks 1616 in the upright position, multiple flat-bed carts1610 can be stacked or nested together in a manner similar to the cart10 of FIG. 1. That is, the frame of a second flat-bed cart 1610 can bepushed into the first flat-bed cart 1610 from the rear, such that theframes 1614 of the two carts 1610 nest together The flat-bed cart 1610of FIG. 24 can be made with a frame 1614 that is similar to the frame 14of FIG. 1 except with a different handle. In addition, the flat-bed cart1610 of FIG. 24 can include the caster lift mechanism 122 describedabove with respect to FIGS. 18-21. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25,the flat-bed cart 1610 further includes a small basket 1618 that can beremovably attached to the handle 1622, such as by a snap fit or byfasteners. The basket 1618 may also be integrally formed with the handle1622 or frame 1614.

FIGS. 26-27 disclose a nesting flat-bed cart 1810 with a folding deck1816. The flat-bed cart 1810 of FIGS. 26-27 is similar to the flat-bedcart 1610 of FIG. 24, except that it is designed to support greaterweights or loads. The deck 1816 includes a first or rear section 1844pivotably coupled to the frame 1814, and a second or front section 1848pivotably connected to the rear section 1844 by a hinge 1852. The deck1816 folds along a lateral break line that is transverse to thelongitudinal axis 1840 of the frame 1814, in a manner similar to afolding banquet table. The deck 1816 can pivot about the hinge 1852 whenin a lowered position, which allows the flat-bed cart 1810 toaccommodate bumps or rough surfaces over which the cart 1810 travels. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the front section 1848 and rear section 1844include at least one hand grip 1856 for moving the deck 1816 between theupright and lowered positions, and the front section 1848 includes oneor more casters 1860. In one embodiment, a single caster 1856 is usedfor supporting up to 2000 pounds and two casters 1856 are used forsupporting up to 3000 pounds.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show another embodiment of the shopping cart 2010. Theshopping cart 2010 includes a frame 2014, a first or upper basket 2018,a second or lower basket 2022, a handle assembly 2026 for pushing thecart 2010, a tray 2030 supported on the frame 2014, and multiple wheels2034 supporting the frame 2014 for movement over the ground. The cart2010 defines a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and ahorizontal cart axis 2050 (FIG. 28) extending between the front end andthe rear end. As used herein, the term “rearward” refers to a directionthat extends toward the rear end, and the term “forward” refers to adirection that extends toward the front end.

In the illustrated embodiment, substantially all of the components ofthe cart 2010 (i.e., except for the wheel axles and pins coupling thefront wheels 2034 a to the frame 2014) are made from a plastic material,and are preferably injection-molded. In the illustrated embodiment,frame 2014 and handle assembly 2026 are formed from polycarbonatepolyethylene, while the baskets 2018, 2022 and tray 2030 are formed fromhigh-density polyethylene. In other embodiments, the frame 2014, handleassembly 2026, the baskets 2018, 2022, and the tray 2030 may be formedfrom the same material. In addition, other plastic materials may beused.

The frame 2014 includes a base 2058 and a pair of upright members 2062on either side of the cart 2010 to support the baskets 2018, 2022. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the uprights members 2062 are formedintegrally with the base 2058. The base 2058 is generally U-shaped. Thebase 2058 includes a front member 2056 to which the front wheels 2034 aare coupled and parallel sides extending between the front member 2056and the upright members 2062. The base 2058 is substantially parallel tothe ground or support surface and supports the tray 2030. In theillustrated embodiment, the frame 2014 also includes a cross-member 2070extending between the upright members 2062. In the illustratedembodiment, each upright member 2062 has a chevron or “boomerang” shape.In other embodiments, the upright members 2062 may be straight. Theframe 2014 also includes a protrusion 2066 extending inwardly from aninner surface of each upright member 2062 and toward the center axis2050 of the cart 2010. The protrusion 2066 is positioned to engage asecond cart when the second cart is nested with the cart 2010, lifting arear portion of the cart 2010 away from the ground. The protrusion 2066is similar to the cart lifting mechanism described above with respect toFIGS. 18-21.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, the front member 2056 of the base 2058includes a pair of slots 2086 proximate the front wheels 2034 a. Thetray 2030 includes a pair of tabs 2090 that engage the slots 2086. Tocouple the tray 2030 to the base 2058, the tray 2030 is tilted intoengagement with the base 2058 such that the tabs 2090 are inserted intothe slots 2086. Stated another way, the tray 2030 is oriented at anacute angle relative to the base 2058 and moved forward to insert thetabs 2090 into the slots 2086. The tray 2030 is then pivoted downwardly(counterclockwise in FIG. 31) about the slots 2086 so that the tray 2030rests on the base 2058. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 2090engage the slots 2086 by a snap fit. As best shown in FIG. 32, the tray2030 includes projections 2094 that are received within recesses 2098 onthe frame 2014. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 2094extend laterally outward toward the sides of the cart 2010 and therecesses 2098 are open on the top. As the tray 2030 pivots downwardly,the projections 2094 are received within the recesses 2098, therebyreleasably securing the tray 2030 against forward or rearward movementrelative to the frame 2014. To remove the tray 2030, the rear end of thetray 2030 is first pivoted upwardly (clockwise in FIG. 31) to remove theprojections 2094 from the recesses 2098. The tray 2030 is then movedaway from the front edge of the base 2058 to remove the tabs 2090 fromthe slots 2086. This arrangement makes it highly unlikely the tray 2030will accidentally come off the base 2058. In other embodiments, theslots 2086 and/or the recesses 2098 may be formed on the tray 2030,while the tabs 2090 and/or the projections 2094 may be formed on theframe 2014.

As shown in FIG. 33, the upper basket 2018 includes a rear gate 2106 anda pair of mounting portions 2110. The lower basket 2022 includes a reargate 2114 and a pair of mounting portions 2118. The rear gate 2114 has aU-shape to facilitate loading the lower basket 2022 from the rear. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the upper basket 2018 is coupled to thehandle assembly 2026 and the rear gate 2110 is pivotably coupled to thehandle assembly 2026 as further described below. In other embodiments,the rear gate 2110 is coupled to the basket 2018. The rear gates 2106,2114 are upwardly pivotable in order to receive an upper basket andlower basket, respectively, of another cart similar to the shopping cart2010 so that the carts can be nested.

Referring to FIG. 34, the mounting portions 2110, 2118 engage theupright members 2062 to removably couple the baskets 2018, 2022,respectively, to the frame 2014. Each mounting portion 2110 of the upperbasket 2018 includes a generally flat surface 2126 and a stop 2130. Eachmounting portion 2118 of the lower basket 2022 includes a generally flatsurface 2134, a stop 2138, and tabs or ribs or fingers 2142 protrudingfrom the surface 2134.

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, each upright member 2062 includes an upperend 2146, a lower end 2150 (FIG. 33) supported by rear wheels 2034 b anda track 2154 extending along an inner surface of the upright member2062. The flat surfaces 2134 of the lower basket 2022 slidably engagethe inner surfaces of the upright members 2062 such that the fingers2142 slide within the tracks 2154. Each track 2154 includescomplementary ribs or fingers 2162 that slide between the fingers 2142.As best shown in FIG. 34, each inner surface of the upright members 2162also includes a first opening 2170 to engage the stop 2138 and a secondopening 2174 to engage the stop 2130. In other embodiments, the fingers2142 may be coupled to the upright members 2062 and the tracks 2154 maybe coupled to the basket 2022.

To assemble the cart 2010, the flat surfaces 2134 of the lower basket2022 first slide along the inner surfaces of the upright members 2062until the stop 2138 engages a lower edge of the first opening 2170 andthe complementary fingers 2162 engage the fingers 2142 of the lowerbasket 2022, thereby securing the basket 2022 relative to the frame2014. Next, the flat surfaces 2126 of the upper basket 2018 slide alongthe inner surfaces of the upright members 2062 until the stop 2130engages a lower edge of the second opening 2174, coupling the upperbasket 2018 to the upright members 2062 above the lower basket 2022.

Next, the handle assembly 2026 is coupled to the upright members 2062.As shown in FIG. 33, the handle assembly 2026 includes a pair ofbrackets 2178 that are coupled to the upper ends 2146. Each bracket 2178includes an opening that is aligned with an opening 2180 (FIG. 34) onthe upper basket 2018 and an opening 2181 on the upright member 2062. Asshown in FIG. 35, a pin 2183 is then inserted into each opening of thebracket 2178 and the openings 2180, 2181 to releasably secure the basket2018 and the handle assembly 2026 to the upright members 2062. The reargate 2106 includes pins 2182 that extend into openings 2184 in thehandle assembly 2026 so that the rear gate 2106 pivots relative to thehandle assembly 2026. When the handle assembly 2026 is positioned on theupper basket 2018, the openings 2184 of the handle assembly 2026 arealigned with openings on the upper basket 2018. A cap (not shown) isinserted into the openings of the upper basket 2018 and the handleassembly 2026 and engages the pin 2182 of the rear gate 2106 to couplethe rear gate 2106 to both the handle assembly 2026 and the upper basket2018.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, a cover 2186 is removably coupled to anouter surface of each upright member 2062 to provide access to an areawithin the upright member 2062. The cover 2186 includes projections 2190that engage lugs 2158 positioned on an outer surface of each uprightmember 262. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37, some of theprojections 2190 are formed as hooks 2190 a that are inserted into loops2158 a by moving the cover 2186 vertically relative to the uprightmember 2062, while other projections 2190 have openings 2190 b thatreceive tabs 2158 b by a snap fit.

As shown in FIG. 38, the handle assembly 2026 includes a bar 2198 andaccessory holders 2202. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar 2198 iscontoured such that portions of the bar 2198 proximate the sides of thecart 2010 are angled forward and a center portion extending between theside portions is transverse to the cart axis 2050. The angled shape ofthe bar 2198 improves ergonomic comfort for the user. In addition,positioning the center portion forward of the side portions permitsbetter access to the lower basket 2022 and facilitates lifting a childfrom the ground over the handle assembly 2026 and into the upper basket2018. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 39, the handle assembly 2026may be formed as a first handle portion 2026 a and a second handleportion 2026 b spaced apart from the first handle portion 2026 a suchthat there is no center portion. The spaced apart handles 2026 a and2026 b facilitate access to the lower basket 2022 and facilitate liftinga child into the upper basket 2018.

Referring again to FIG. 38, the accessory holders 2202 include roundopenings 2206 positioned on either side of the cart 2010 for supportinga cup, a lateral slot 2210 for supporting an electronic device (such asa tablet computer or a cellular phone), and hooks 2214 positionedforward of the bar 2198 for supporting a hanging article, such as agarment or handbag. The slot 2210 is positioned between the openings2206 and oriented transverse to the cart axis 2050. A notebook orelectronic device can be positioned in a rearward-facing orientation sothat a screen of the electronic device is visible to a user pushing thecart 2010. The slot 2210 includes an internal projection 2218 forengaging a lower portion of the electronic device and preventing thedevice from being jostled out of the slot 2210 as the user pushes thecart 2010. In other embodiments, the slot 2210 may be adapted so that adevice can be positioned in a forward-facing orientation so that thescreen is visible to person positioned within the upper basket 2018. Inthe illustrated embodiments, the accessory holders 2202 are formedintegrally with the handle assembly 2026. In other embodiments, thehandle assembly 2026 may include fewer or more accessory holders 2202 orother types of accessory holders 2202, and/or the accessory holders 2202may be formed as part of the basket 2018.

FIGS. 40-42 illustrate another embodiment of the shopping cart 2410.Except as described below, the shopping cart 2410 is the same as theshopping cart 2010 described with regard to FIGS. 28-39, and commonelements are given a reference numeral based on the reference numeralsfor FIGS. 28-39 plus 400.

As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the cart 2410 includes a frame 2414supported by a pair of front wheels 2434 a and a pair of rear wheels2434 b. The rear wheels 2434 b are mounted on a lower end 2550 of eachupright member 2462 such that the axle of each rear wheel 2434 b ispositioned behind or rear of the upright members 2462 (FIG. 42). Theframe 2414 includes a base 2458 and an arm 2460 for engaging a carttransport system 2700 (FIGS. 43-45). The arm 2460 is coupled to the base2458 proximate a front end of the cart 2410. The arm 2460 is positionedbetween the front wheels 2434 a and extends downwardly from the base2458. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 2460 is formed as a web2464 (FIG. 40) extending downwardly from the frame 2414 and having a baror cross-member 2468 (FIG. 40) extending laterally toward at least oneside of the cart 2410.

As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the frame 2414 also includes a projectionor ledge or shelf 2472 proximate each of the rear wheels 2434 b. Eachshelf 2472 is formed as an upwardly-facing surface projecting outwardlyfrom the side of the associated upright member 2462 proximate the lowerend 2550 thereof and is adapted to engage a guide member 2730 of thetransport system 2700 as described below.

FIGS. 43-45 illustrate the cart transport system 2700 including anascending escalator 2704 and a descending escalator 2708. Grocery storeshaving multiple floors typically include the cart transport system 2700for transporting shopping carts between floors. Because conventionalshopping carts typically have a short wheelbase and an elevated basket,a conventional cart becomes top-heavy when it is loaded with groceriesand is likely to tip over on the transport system 2700.

Each escalator 2704, 2708 includes a conveyor or towing track 2710, apair of outer tracks 2720, and a pair of guide members 2730 adjacent theouter tracks 2720. The towing track 2710 includes a T-shaped slot 2740.The arm 2460 (FIG. 40) of the cart 2410 is received in the slot 2740from an end of the slot 2740 and is retained due to interference betweenthe slot 2740 and the cross-member 2468 of the arm 2460. The arm 2460engages a towing member 2744, such as a cable or hook, that movesparallel to the slot 2740 and urges the arm 2460 and the cart 2410 alongthe slot 2740. The rear wheels 2434 b move along the outer tracks 2720.In the ascending escalator 2704, the outer tracks 2720 a are elevatedwith respect to the towing track 2710. In the descending escalator 2708,the outer tracks 2720 b are recessed with respect to the towing track2710.

As shown in FIG. 44, when the cart 2410 is positioned on the ascendingescalator 2704, the rear wheels 2434 b roll along the outer tracks 2720a positioned above the towing track 2710 as the cart 2410 is towed. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the transport system 2700 is inclined, andthe guide members 2730 are positioned above the outer tracks 2720 a. Asthe cart 2410 moves along the inclined portion, the rear wheels 2434 bmay elevate relative to front wheels 2434 a. Each shelf 2472 (FIG. 41)on the cart 2410 engages one of the guide members 2730 above the outertrack 2720 a, thereby preventing the rear wheel 2434 b from elevatingbeyond a certain height with respect to the front wheels 2434 a.Therefore, the shelf 2472 prevents the cart 2410 from rotating over thefront end of the cart 2410, and it maintains the cart 2410 in asubstantially level position.

As shown in FIG. 45, when the cart 2410 is positioned on the descendingescalator 2708, the rear wheels 2434 b roll along the outer tracks 2720b as the cart 2410 is towed. Because the outer tracks 2720 b arerecessed relative to the towing track 2710, the cart 2410 maintains arelatively horizontal orientation.

FIGS. 46-53 illustrate another embodiment of the shopping cart 2810.Except as described below, the shopping cart 2810 is the same as theshopping cart 2010 described with regard to FIGS. 28-39, and commonelements are given a reference numeral based on the reference numeralsfor FIGS. 28-39 plus 800.

As shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the cart 2810 includes a single basket 2818that is coupled to upright members 2862 of a frame 2814. The basket 2818includes a rail 2820 that is formed integrally with the basket 2818 andextends around the perimeter of the basket 2818. The rail 2820 includesmultiple grooves 2824 positioned below a top edge of the basket 2818. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the grooves 2824 are positioned aboveopenings in side walls of the basket 2818. The grooves 2824 provide agrip surface for receiving a user's fingers and facilitate gripping andpulling the cart 2810 when the user is not positioned behind the cart2810 (i.e., when the user is standing alongside or in front of the cart2810). In addition, the basket 2818 includes a graphic panel 2828 (FIG.46) coupled to one of the walls of the basket 2818 and supporting aremovable graphic element (not shown) that can be changed as desired(e.g., seasonally). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the basket 2818includes support arms 2829 that extend along the side of the basket2818. In some embodiments, the frame 2814 may include an arm forengaging a cart transport system as described above.

Referring to FIG. 48, the basket 2818 includes a gate assembly 2906 andmounting portions 2910 positioned on either side of the basket 2818. Asbest shown in FIG. 49, each mounting portion 2910 includes a generallyflat surface 2926 and tabs 2930 positioned proximate the sides of thesurface 2926 to be inserted within tracks 2954 on the sides of theupright members 2862. In other embodiments, the tracks may be formed onthe basket 2818 and the tabs 2930 may be formed on the surface 2926. Ahandle assembly 2826 includes a pair of brackets 2978, each of whichincludes an opening that is aligned with an opening 2980 (FIG. 49) onthe basket 2818 and an opening 2981 on the upright members 2862. Asshown in FIG. 50, a pin 2934 is then inserted into each opening of thebracket 2978 and the openings 2980, 2981 to releasably secure the basket2818 and the handle assembly 2826 to the upright members 2862.

As shown in FIGS. 51-53, the gate assembly 2906 includes a rear wall2908, a seat 2912, and a folding wall 2916. In the illustratedembodiment, the gate assembly 2906 also includes accessory holders 3002.The accessory holders 3002 include round openings 3006 positioned oneither side of the cart 2810 for supporting a cup and a lateral slot3010 for supporting an electronic device (such as a tablet computer or acellular phone). The slot 3010 extends between the openings 3006 and isoriented transverse to a cart axis (not shown). A notebook or electronicdevice can be positioned in either a forward-facing or rearward-facingorientation so that a screen of an electronic device is visible toeither a user pushing the cart 2810 or a person seated within the cart2810. In some embodiment, the slot 3010 includes a projection forengaging a lower portion of the electronic device and preventing thedevice from being jostled out of the slot 3010 as the user pushed thecart 2810. In other embodiments, the accessory holders 3002 are formedintegrally with the handle assembly 2826. The accessory holders 3002 mayinclude fewer or more accessory holders 3002 than those described orother types of accessory holders 3002, including hooks for supporting ahanging article (not shown), such as a garment or a handbag.

As shown in FIGS. 48 and 51, the rear wall 2908 includes a pair ofopenings 2910 for receiving the legs of a child passenger and a pair ofpins 2982 engaging openings 2984 (FIG. 48) of the handle assembly 2826such that the gate assembly 2906 is pivotable relative to basket 2818and handle assembly 2826 about a first or gate axis 2924 (FIG. 51).Referring to FIG. 51, openings positioned along an edge of the seat 2912are aligned with openings positioned on the rear wall 2908. A pin 3014is inserted through the openings on the rear wall 2908 and the seat 2912so that the seat 2912 is pivotably coupled to the rear wall 2908 about asecond or seat axis 2928 that is parallel to the gate axis 2924 andpositioned below the gate axis 2924. The folding wall 2916 includes acontoured backrest 2928 and is pivotably coupled to a lower end of therear wall 2908 about a third or folding axis 2930 that is parallel tothe gate axis 2924 and the seat axis 2928. The backrest 2928 iscontoured or curved in a lateral (side-to-side) direction.

The folding wall 2916 also defines a lateral opening 2932 receiving anedge of the seat 2912 opposite the edge that is coupled to the rear wall2908. The lateral opening 2932 extends parallel to the seat axis 2928.The seat 2912 is received in the opening 2932 and supported by the edgeof the opening 2932. As the folding wall 2916 is pivoted toward the rearwall 2908, the seat 2912 slides through the opening 2932. When thefolding wall 2916 is positioned adjacent the rear wall 2908, the gateassembly 2906 is in a collapsed state (FIG. 52). As best shown in FIG.53, collapsing the gate assembly 2906 causes the seat 2912 to passthrough the opening 2932 and rotate downwardly (clockwise in FIG. 53)relative to the rear wall 2908. Similarly, as the folding wall 2916moves away from the rear wall 2908 toward an open state (FIG. 51), theseat 2912 rotates upwardly (counterclockwise in FIG. 53) into asubstantially horizontal position.

Referring to FIG. 53, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall 2908includes a first angled surface 3014 facing toward the folding wall 2916and the folding wall 2916 includes a second angled surface 3018 that iscomplementary to the first angled surface 3014 and faces toward the rearwall 2908. When the gate assembly 2906 is collapsed, the first angledsurface 3014 and the second angled surface 3018 mate with one another.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described. Various features of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shopping cart comprising: a frame including anupright member and a plurality of rolling elements supporting theupright member, the upright member extending along a longitudinal axis;a basket slidably coupled to the upright member in a direction parallelto the longitudinal axis; an opening positioned on one of the uprightmember and the basket, the opening extending through the one of theupright member and the basket in a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis; and a stop member protruding from the other of theupright member and the basket in a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis, the stop member being received within the openingwhen the basket is in a predetermined position relative to the uprightmember, thereby securing the basket against movement relative to theupright member.
 2. The shopping cart of claim 1, further comprising ahandle that is coupled to the frame and the basket by a pin.
 3. Theshopping cart of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a bracket having abracket opening, wherein the frame includes a frame opening aligned withthe bracket opening, wherein the basket includes a basket openingaligned with the frame opening and the bracket opening, wherein the pinextends through the bracket opening, the frame opening, and the basketopening.
 4. The shopping cart of claim 1, further comprising a coverremovably coupled to a portion of the frame.
 5. The shopping cart ofclaim 4, wherein the upright member has an outer surface, wherein thecover is removably coupled to the outer surface.
 6. The shopping cart ofclaim 1, wherein the upright member has a side surface, wherein thebasket includes a side surface slidably engaging the side surface of theupright member, wherein the opening is positioned on the upright memberand the stop member protrudes from the side surface of the basket toengage the opening when the basket is slid to a predetermined position.7. The shopping cart of claim 1, further comprising a slot formed as aplurality of first ribs and a tab formed as a plurality of second ribsthat are complementary to the first ribs such that the second ribs slidebetween the first ribs to interlock the basket and the frame.
 8. Theshopping cart of claim 1, wherein the basket is a first basket, theopening is a first opening, and a the stop member is a first stopmember, further comprising a second basket slidably coupled to theupright portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, thesecond basket positioned above the first basket; a second openingpositioned on one of the upright portion and the second basket, thesecond opening extending through the one of the upright portion and thesecond basket in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; anda second stop member protruding from the other of the upright portionand the basket in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis,the stop member being received within the second opening when the secondbasket is in a predetermined position relative to the upright portion,thereby securing the second basket against movement relative to theupright portion.
 9. A shopping cart comprising: a frame including a baseand an upright portion extending away from the base along a longitudinalaxis, the upright portion including an outer surface; a basket slidablycoupled to the upright portion of the frame; a cover removably coupledto the outer surface of the upright portion; a lug formed on one of thecover and the frame; a hook formed on the other of the cover and theframe, the hook removably received within the lug in a directionparallel to the longitudinal axis of the upright portion; an openingformed on one of the cover and the frame; and a tab formed on the otherof the cover and the frame, the tab received within the opening.
 10. Theshopping cart of claim 9, wherein the upright portion is formed as apair of upright members, each of the upright members having achevron-shaped profile, wherein the basket is positioned at leastpartially between the pair of upright members.
 11. The shopping cart ofclaim 10, wherein the cover has a chevron-shaped profile.
 12. A shoppingcart comprising: a frame including a pair of upright members, eachupright member including an upper end; a basket slidably coupled to theframe between the pair of upright members; and a handle extendingbetween the upper ends and coupled to each of the upright members, thehandle including a bracket having a bracket opening, wherein the uprightmember includes a frame opening aligned with the bracket opening,wherein the basket includes a basket opening aligned with the frameopening and the bracket opening, and further comprising a pin extendingthrough the bracket opening, the frame opening, and the basket opening.13. The shopping cart of claim 12, wherein the basket includes a firstside portion and a second side portion laterally spaced apart from thefirst side portion, wherein the first side portion is supported on oneof the upper ends and the second side portion is supported on the otherof the upper ends.
 14. The shopping cart of claim 12, wherein the handlebracket extends through the upper end of one of the upright members. 15.The shopping cart of claim 12, wherein the handle includes a first endsupported on an upper end of one of the upright members and a second endsupported on an upper end of the other of the upright members.
 16. Theshopping cart of claim 12, wherein the basket is a first basket, andfurther comprising a second basket slidably coupled to the frame betweenthe pair of upright members, the second basket positioned below thefirst basket.